New to this site

I am Jo, I have Cushing's disease, Ulcerative colitis, polymyalgia, and associated problems. I have no thyroid function, do have been on increasing doses of levothyroxine for 10 years. Have not been well for nearly 2 years, and on researching your site, and speaking with a friend with similar problems, I think I'm not converting my T4 to T3. Have just started taking T3 supplement, Absolute Nutrition, so hope I'll start feeling better. Any comments welcome

[greygoose]

That T3 supplement contains no hormone, and it's doubtful if it will do anything to help your conversion. It's just another worried-well scam.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I agree with Greygoose about that supplement. If you think you aren't converting very well, why not post your most recent test results - TSH, FT4 and FT3 all tested from the same blood draw (very important) - then members can help and if you do need T3 we can help you source the correct product from a reputable supplier.

It would also be useful to have vitamins and minerals tested - Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin - because we need optimal levels of those, low levels and deficiencies mean that our thyroid hormone can't work properly.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for that. I don't have a T3 reading yet, but will ask for that and for the vitamin/mineral readings too. I don't produce TSH as I don't have a thyroid function. My T4 is high, 25.

[humanbean in reply to Hidden]

If you don't produce TSH it is your pituitary and/or your hypothalamus that is not working.

Your thyroid might be perfectly healthy, but without TSH it won't do anything.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4 plus vitamins

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)